Driven by Curiosity, Grounded in Values: David D.’s 14-Year Journey at Cummins

For David D., becoming a Cummins Resident Technician wasn’t something he mapped out from the beginning—it was something that grew naturally from curiosity, hard work and a genuine passion for engines and people. As of December 2025, David will mark 14 years with Cummins, a journey that has taken him far beyond what he first imagined when he entered trade school.
David’s path into the industry began with a simple goal: learn how to work on cars. While attending trade school, he enrolled in a diesel course and that experience changed everything.

“I fell in love with the engines and the work they can accomplish,” he says. That initial spark led him into the world of diesel technology and eventually to Cummins where that interest turned into a lifelong career.

One of the defining aspects of David’s experience has been Cummins’ commitment to continuous training and development. Over the years, that investment has helped shape not only his technical expertise but also his confidence and perspective. “Cummins continued training has propelled my career to places I would never have guessed,” David shares. Beyond engine knowledge, he’s gained skills that extend into everyday life including rigging, CPR and safety training. “It’s more than just engines,” he says. “It’s knowledge that’s useful in and out of work.”

As a technician, David has had the opportunity to work across an incredible range of applications—one of the things he values most about his role. From over-the-road trucks and mining equipment to RVs, construction equipment and generators, he’s seen firsthand just how versatile Cummins engines are. “Being a Technician, I have been able to see the unlimited possibilities of Cummins engines,” he says. That exposure has kept his work fresh and continually reinforced the global impact of what Cummins builds.

For the past seven years, David has served as a Resident Technician, a role that has allowed him to experience a different side of the business. Working closely with a long-standing Cummins customer, he’s built strong relationships rooted in trust and collaboration. “I’ve had the opportunity to grow an amazing relationship with a very good customer of Cummins,” David explains. “Making new friends as well as seeing a different side of the business has been an awesome experience.” The role has expanded his understanding of customer needs and reinforced the value of partnership beyond the shop floor.

Looking back, David describes his time at Cummins as “positively life changing.” For him, the company represents far more than a place to work. It’s a career that has provided stability, opportunity and a strong sense of community. He highlights the people he’s worked alongside, the chance to participate in charity events and the flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance. “Along with all the great benefits that are provided to me and my family,” he says, “Cummins has truly supported every part of my life.”

Throughout his career, David has been guided by a core set of values: dependability, integrity, respect and compassion. These principles shape how he approaches his work, his customers and his coworkers every day. They’re also values he hopes to pass on to the next generation of technicians.

For new apprentices just starting out, David offers practical and thoughtful advice. “Listen to and observe the fellow techs in the shop,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions for that’s how you grow.” He also emphasizes the importance of Cummins’ safety culture, encouraging apprentices to fully engage with it early in their careers. And, he adds with a smile, “Invest in the tools!”

To current technicians who may be considering their next step, David encourages them to stay open to change. “Take that leap and try something new that interests you,” he says. With so many career paths available at Cummins, he believes opportunities often appear where you least expect them. “Being a Resident has opened my eyes and my mind to much more than staying in the shop.”

David D.’s story is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. Through continuous learning, strong values and a willingness to embrace new challenges, he’s built a career that’s both meaningful and impactful—one engine, one relationship and one opportunity at a time.